A beloved mum took her own life after being on the NHS waiting list for help for nearly a year, an inquest heard.
Laura Myatt, 34, had been placed on the anxiety and depression pathway by the adult community mental health team in February 2021 after battling problems for years.
She was prescribed antidepressants but there was a 51-week waiting list to be seen.
Her father found her hanged at her home in Newcastle, Staffs, on February 8 when she failed to answer her phone, StokeonTrent Live reported.
An inquest into her death was told the 34-year-old had never mentioned suicide or self-harm, either to family members or mental health professionals.
It was heard that while Ms Myatt had a history of mental health problems, these were not constant and she had periods where she was doing better.
Her condition deteriorated over the winter, and she told mental health services that she believed she should be in hospital.
Josephine Povey, associate director at North Staffs Combined, told the inquest that there had been nothing to indicate that Ms Myatt was likely to hurt herself.
She said: "During her contact with services Laura never expressed any suicidal ideation. We review patients who are on the waiting list.
“Unfortunately the programme is very lengthy, and there are waits."
North Staffordshire coroner Andrew Barkley said that he was satisfied that Ms Myatt had intended to kill herself, and recorded a conclusion of suicide.
He said: "Laura suffered with her mental health, although certainly there were times when she was doing better, and she was seeking help for her problems. In her contact with the Lymebrook Centre there was never any suggestion that she was going to hurt herself."
Following Ms Myatt's death, an online appeal was launched which has so far raised more than £11,000 to help towards the cost of her funeral and to support her family.
At the time the organiser Matt Salt said: “As some of you may know Laura Myatt tragically lost her life following her battle with mental health.
“This has turned her loving partner Daniel Morris and their 2 beautiful daughters’ lives upside down, leaving so many family members and friends heartbroken.
“Laura was the most loving and caring person you could ever meet.
“I have set up this page with the blessing of the family.
“We are asking for donations to help towards the cost of the funeral and to further support the family through the toughest time of their lives.”
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
